Dr. Erin Holder

Veterinarian/Owner

Dr. Holder earned a B.S. in Biology in 1997 from Stetson University in DeLand FL. In 2002 she graduated with honors from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine where she concentrated her studies in avian, exotic and wildlife medicine.

At the University of Florida, Dr. Holder received the prestigious Lerner Family Wildlife Conservation Award, the Bird Fanciers Scholarship and was inducted into Phi Zeta, the veterinary school honor society. She placed 1st in the United States in the National American Association for Zoo Veterinarians Manuscript Competition and presented her research at the International Zoo Convention.

Dr. Holder furthered her studies at the Houston Zoo in Texas, the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, the Exotic Bird Hospital, Lubee Bat Foundation and White Oak Plantation in Florida. Her medical articles have been published in the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine and Exotic DVM.

Dr. Holder is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Florida Veterinary Medical Association and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine in the Zoo and Wildlife Department.

In 2004, Dr. Holder attended the Chi Institute to gain knowledge in the art of Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture. She continues her path towards specialist in Chinese herbals, food therapy, Tui-Na and advanced acupuncture. Dr. Holder is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Chinese Medicine.

There is nothing more rewarding than watching an animal walk out that was carried in, seeing my staff grow with knowledge, giving an owner a diagnosis with hope, releasing a raptor back into the wild, or holding the owner’s hand while we say goodbye to their beloved pets. I truly have the greatest job in the world. I thank my clients as they are some of the best people I know.

Dr. Pamela Schrager

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Pamela Schrager graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine with High Honors in 1995, winning the Upjohn Award for Proficiency in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, the W.B. Saunders Small Animal Surgery Award, the Charlie Bild Clinical Proficiency Award in Small and Large Animal Medicine, and the Merck Veterinary Manual Award.

She completed a one-year internship in Small Animal Medicine, Emergency and Surgery at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where she continued to work for almost 2 years as an Assistant Clinical Specialist in Emergency Medicine. At the University of Minnesota, she co-developed and co-taught the clinical emergency rotation for senior veterinary students and won the University Students’ Teaching Award.

She was the Chief of Emergency and Medical Services and Intern Coordinator at a large referral hospital in Washington D.C. for almost 10 years, where she continued to focus on small animal ultrasound, surgery, and critical care, while providing the foundational internship training for many small animal, wildlife, zoo, and marine mammal veterinarians with whom she continues to collaborate and consult.

As she moved on to work at primary care veterinary hospitals, her focus over the past several years has been on whole nutrition and holistic therapies to not only improve outcomes with critical patients, but to help to achieve balance to prevent disease and better manage chronic disease at all stages of life.

In 2018 she studied Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine at the Chi Institute and became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist.

She believes that attentive, deliberate communication with her clients is essential in providing them the best possible care, understanding, and peace of mind.

“I love what I do! I continue to be humbled by the trust that my clients place in me, and work every day to deserve that trust. I am thrilled to be part of a team at FloridaWild that shares my commitment to provide the best comprehensive care for our patients.”

Dr. Jessica Hathaway

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Jessica Lallier Hathaway was born and raised in the small town of Dolgeville, New York in the foothills of the beautiful Adirondack Mountains. There she fostered a life long love of nature and outdoor activity. She had many pets beginning with gerbils at the tender age of 8 and eventually adding guinea pigs, rabbits, iguanas, snakes, cats, and dogs. She knew she wanted to be a veterinarian for most of her life.

Dr. Hathaway left New York State to study pre-professional biology in Melbourne, Florida at the Florida Institute of Technology. She spent three years there and was admitted to the New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University. While completing her veterinary degree, Dr. Hathaway worked nights and weekends in the Small Animal Critical Care Unit where she helped the sickest patients recover from procedures and illnesses so that they could make their way home to their families.

After graduation in 2000 Dr. Hathaway explored many Central Florida towns and decided to move to DeLand. Since then she has worked in multiple clinics, primarily on the East side of Volusia County, and also spent some time doing relief work at multiple clinics after the birth of her sons. She enjoys soft tissue surgery, preventative medicine, ultrasonography, and helping pets recover when illness strikes. She is delighted to be working in her home town, especially at an integrative practice. Dr. Hathaway is working toward a certification in traditional Chinese Veterinary Acupuncture at the Chi Institute. She has served as Member at Large, Secretary, and President of the Volusia Flagler Veterinary Medical Association.

In her free time, Dr. Hathaway can be found out and about with her husband Jeff and their three boys. She enjoys outdoor activity and also runs half marathons. They currently share their home with three cats, two dogs, a small flock of chickens, a leopard gecko and four beehives.

“I am so blessed to have found a career where I know I will be challenged every day. The most rewarding part of my job is helping a sick pet feel better so that he or she can go home and rejoin the family. Getting to know my clients and their pets brings me great joy every day. I am humbled by the opportunity to improve the quality of life for my patients and their families.”

Dr. Sarina Barbara

Associate Veterinarian

Dr. Sarina A. Barbara graduated from Stetson University in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in Integrative Health Science. She then spent a year working as a small animal vet tech in her home state of Massachusetts before enrolling in veterinary school at St. George’s University in Grenada. Dr. Barbara completed her clinical veterinary training at University of Georgia and graduated with honors in June 2018. Dr. Barbara enjoys all fields of veterinary medicine, but she does have a passion for geriatric pet care and well-being. She herself has collected a small pack of senior dogs, all over the age of 10. Dr. Barbara also enjoys working with the rescue animals of FloridaWild Rescue. Rescue has always been a big part of her life and she ran her own organization throughout vet school called Misfit Mutts Rescue. In her free time, Dr. Barbara enjoys riding her horse (Bo Jangles), kickboxing and watching Friends on Netflix.

Kevin

Dental Technician

Kevin Adrian Leroy was born in Hollywood, Florida and raised in Miramar, Florida. At 15 years old Kevin got the opportunity to work with puppies at a breeder/puppy store. That is where he learned the basics of animal care and training. While working there, Kevin met his mentor and future employer Dr. Jan Bellows, a respected Boarded Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College. His passion for veterinary dental care was awaken through his year of volunteering, – he learned the ropes and his eyes were opened to the importance of veterinary dentistry. In 1994, Kevin was qualified by examination from the ASVDT (American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians). After a few years, Kevin was teaching courses at continuing educational laboratories – he even got the chance to teach faculty at Auburn University. After 15 years of clinical experience, Kevin decided teaching others was where he could make the most difference. He began consulting with other practices and corporations on the importance of veterinary dentistry as well as the technical use of the radiograph equipment scarcely known in the veterinary community.

Kevin spent several years traveling to trade shows and veterinary hospitals across the country, teaching proper techniques and spreading the word of veterinary dentistry. He moved from South Florida and took an opportunity at a practice in Port Orange, Florida where he spent a few years helping furry friends feel better through oral care. After that, he decided to establish his own consulting company. Kevin worked hard at this for a few years but realized the rigorous travel and time taken away from away from his family and pets was not ideal.

Kevin was first introduced to FloridaWild by Dr. Schrager and Dr. Hathaway. He came to install and train the staff on their new equipment acquisition. Kevin was in awe at the quality of medicine, professionalism, services offered, and was blown away at the fusion of Eastern and Western medicine. After realizing what a great addition he was to the FloridaWild team, employment was offered and Kevin is now officially a part of the FloridaWild family!

In Kevin’s free time he enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife, Rebecca, son and three little girls on their 40 acre farm in Pierson. There family also consists of five horses, eight goats, nine cats and three dogs.

“Veterinary Dentistry found me at a young age; it continually fascinates and challenges me every day. In Veterinary Dentistry, 99% of patients will benefit and feel better from treatment. The stories about pets eating better, having more energy and overall having a happier life experience is what makes me love what I do.”

Teresa Cardenas

Dental Hygienist

Teresa Cardenas RDH, has been a Registered Dental Hygienist since 1985. She has her A.S. in Dental Hygiene and her B.S. in Science. Teresa has worked in research, many specialty branches of dentistry (Pedodontist, Prosthodontist, General and Periodontics) and has taught at NYU and Daytona Community College. She currently works at a dental office with human patients three days a week – the rest of the week she works on her canine clients.

In her spare time she volunteers her services at two of Orlando’s Greyhound rescue groups and is active with her Miniature Pinscher, Niko.

Cindy

Hospital Administrator

Cindy grew up in Colorado, where in high school she was introduced to veterinary medicine and earned her veterinary assistant certification. Cindy moved to Florida in 1980 to continue her career in veterinary medicine. Her passion has always been with furry friends and their humans, and to also educate them. She is currently seeking her Certified Veterinary Practice Manager Certification (CVPM). Cindy has 26 plus years of veterinary experience, whether it is as a manager, technician, receptionist, or trainer.

Cindy joined the FloridaWild team in May of 2015, where she can further her education in eastern and western veterinary medicine, as well as rehabilitation. She has a great passion to see our patients improve and heal. You never know what you will be doing at FloridaWild each day. It is very exciting.

In her spare time she enjoys spending as much time on or near the water, as well as golf carting. She also loves spending time with her crew at home, Ryley, Shelby, Allie, Jessie, Taz, and 5 birds.

Hannah

Marketing Director/Client Care Coordinator

Hannah was born in Georgia but did a lot of moving around when she married a military officer. Now she and her family are permanently in Florida. Hannah has her Bachelors of Science in Early Childhood Education from Liberty University. Her passion and love for animals led her here. She has always had such an indescribable connection with animals. “Nonhuman animals can teach us humans SO MUCH! We just have to be patient and willing to listen and learn.”

At home, her babies mostly consists of felines – she affectionately calls them “The Pride.” One of her purring babies is actually from Indonesia! He went from dying on the streets of Indonesia as a sick and unwanted stray to living in a 5-star home in America.

Recently Hannah and her husband adopted a rescue puppy – they call him the “weird kitten.” “Rescuing an animal is such a blessing for both the rescuer and the rescued. Having worked with rescues in the past, you get to know the heart-wrenching truth behind the closed doors of “shelters.” Our country’s kill rate is unbelievably high – that is why I firmly believe more good comes out of rescuing than purchasing.” Hannah’s furry babies consists of death row rescues, strays and shelter rescues.

Over the past two plus years, Hannah has loved her time and experience here. “I feel like I found my dream job. I get to come to work knowing I work with some of the best in the veterinary industry. The compassion and desire to learn more is something I constantly admire about our veterinarians and team here at FloridaWild.”

Katrina

Client Care Specialist

Katrina has been in the veterinary field since 2001. Her passion has always been with animals since she was little. “Being able to go to work everyday and love what you do is truly amazing.” She has three fur babies at home named Roxy (Shiba Inu), Rocky (Shiba Inu) and Luke (Chihuahua). On her time off she enjoys spending time with her family and going to the beach.

Victoria

Client Care Specialist

Victoria is new to FloridaWild but she has already started winning us and our clients over! She has four fur babies – three cats and a dog. She says these babies take over her life and she adores them so much! Victoria has always grown up around animals. She has always had a passion to pursue a career in an industry where she can be surrounded by them. “Coming from a retail position and starting at FloridaWild has definitely been one of the best moments for me – I plan on growing and thriving!”

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Tasha

Lead Veterinary Technician

Tasha joined the FloridaWild team in August 2012 and has been working in the Veterinary field since 2008. She graduated with her AA degree in December 2017 and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Information.

She has always had a passion for animals since she was a child and knew one day she would make a career of caring for them. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family, friends and her furry four-legged kids. Her hobbies include yoga, kayaking, fishing and pirating.

Kerry

Certified Veterinary Technician

Kerry was born and raised right here in beautiful Deland, Florida and has been with FloridaWild since 2016. She grew up in an environment that allowed her passion for animals of all species to flourish and knew from a very young age that she wanted to work professionally to help take care of them.

She has an Associate’s of Science Degree in Veterinary Technology from St. Petersburg College and is a Certified Veterinary Technician. Kerry loves learning and is constantly taking continuing education classes and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Veterinary Technology. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in this profession a year or twenty years – there is always more to learn! I want to know everything I can about providing the best care for my patients.

She is committed to giving you and your pet the highest quality of care and loves every patient like they were her own. When Kerry isn’t working, she spends most of her time with her husband, her three children and her furry and feathered children: two dogs, a cat, a potbelly pig and a bird.

Karah

Certified Veterinary Technician

Karah is originally from Florida – more specifically, Daytona Beach. She has been working in the veterinary field for over five years. At first she worked as a kennel technician but with hands-on experience she quickly started working her way up. She loved working in the veterinary field and decided she wanted to continue her education through the Veterinary Technician program at St. Petersburg College. Karah is now a CVT (Certified Veterinary Technician).

Surprisingly enough, Karah did not grow up with pets. However, her life experiences allowed her to integrate into different animal groups – that is when something in her sparked! Once she got older, she got her first pet, a dog name Lila… “Lila is my life. I love her so much!” If you asked Karah if she grew up with pets, she would tell you she didn’t but at the same time it feels like she always has. “I can’t imagine life without pets.”

She has a special interest in wildlife and enjoys helping out with wildlife rehabilitation when able to do so. In her down time she enjoys spending time outdoors with her gorgeous fur-child, Lila.

“Coming to work every day and being able to take pride in what I do creates such meaning – for me, my patients and the families of those patients.”

Lizzy

Veterinary Assistant

Lizzy was born and raised in a small town in Mississippi until 2000 when her family moved to Florida. Ever since she was young, Lizzy has loved the idea of working with animals. She graduated from the Florida Institute of Animal Arts in 2010 and has been working in the veterinary field ever since.

When Lizzy is not at the clinic she is at home with her daughter, dog and three cats.

Kristen

Veterinary Assistant

Kristen joined the FloridaWild team in September 2016. She is originally from New Jersey and has been a Deland resident for two years now – “I love it here!” Her vet tech career began in 2000 in New Jersey. “I couldn’t imagine a more rewarding job than caring for animals.”

She’s a single mom to three teenagers, passionate about butterflies and monkeys, and would love to start her own business as a pet photographer.

Shannon

Lab Technician

Shannon has been in the animal industry for eleven years. She has been a veterinary technician and is currently working as a kennel technician. Shannon has a knack for communicating with animals and she loves working at The Funky Mutt Market – where she has the opportunity to interact with the patients and clients on a personal and fun level.

Shannon has three kids, five cats, and one dog. She loves spending time with her children, going to the park, fishing, and just enjoying what life has to offer.

Emily

Veterinary Assistant

Emily was born and raised in Port Orange, Florida. From a very young age, she knew her passion was to work with animals. Starting off, she mainly dealt with equine and livestock husbandry but soon found her passion in small animal and exotic medicine.

Emily currently is in the process of earning her bachelors degree and plans to continue on in her education to graduate as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in the future. When she is not working, Emily spends most of her time studying, spending time with family and friends, working with film photography, and enjoying nature with her adorable Labrador Retriever Abbey!

Alicia

Veterinary Assistant

Ever since Alicia was a little girl, she always knew she wanted to work with animals. That journey officially started in 2006 when she joined the Veterinary field. “I truly love our patient’s fur babies, as if they were my very own.”

When Alicia isn’t taking care of your furry babies, she is spending time with her twelve year-old daughter, Emma. They enjoy going to the beach, shopping, and simply just hanging out.

Madison

Veterinary Assistant

Madison was born and raised in Florida. She graduated from the International Baccalaureate Program from Spruce Creek High School in 2016, and is currently enrolled in a program where she is seeking to obtain her Associates of Science Degree in Veterinary Technology.

Madison knew she wanted to be involved in the veterinary field at a young age. Her love for animals inspired her to become a Halifax Humane Society Volunteer at the age of 10. All of her life she has been surrounded by animals from dogs to bearded dragons. Over the years, she has rescued numerous amounts of animals providing them a warm and happy home. She currently resides with 3 goofy dogs, 3 bubbly cats, and 1 bunny! Madison loves to spend her free time with her animals whom she calls “The Zoo”, hiking, volunteering, and adventuring with her boyfriend.

She has a true passion for animals and believes that they deserve the world and more. Her role at FloridaWild is to make the animals her #1 priority, whether it may be just cleaning up after them or offering a helping hand to the lovely staff of doctors and technicians whose sole mission is to care for all of the animals encountered. She is always cheerful and is always willing to learn more about the well-being of the amazing creatures we all call are “Fur Babies”.

Elizabeth

Veterinary Assistant

Elizabeth has recently graduated from Daytona State College. She will be continuing her education at St. Petersburg College to become a Certified Veterinary Technician – she wants to learn how to better care for your babies. She has always felt the most comfortable around animals so when she decided to become a Veterinary Technician, it felt like someone was finally calling her home.

She was raised by parents that always taught her to help the souls who may not be able to help themselves. She has grown up around cats and dogs, and has even owned four rats (fun fact… they are extremely intelligent, loving and clean!). She would happily rescue all walks of animal life. She often enjoys taking long walks on the beach with her two Pitty babies, Baby and Raven.

Derek

Veterinary Assistant

Derek was born and raised in DeLand, Florida. He graduated from DeLand High School in 2016 and is on track to graduate from Stetson University with his Bachelor’s in Health Science in December of 2018. His aspirations include attending vet school so he can further his knowledge and help save animals’ lives. “I’ve wanted to be a Veterinarian ever since I was a little kid – I have always had a strong passion for animals.” He always grew up with at least two dogs in his house at any given time. He has raised everything from squirrels to chickens to pigs to turkeys. He was in 4-H growing up – he says this only made his passion for animals stronger.

“When I’m not at FloridaWild caring for your pets I am with my Golden, Yahtzee, either at home or out doing something fun such as swimming at the beach.”

Truc

Certified Veterinary Technician

Truc was born in Vietnam and moved to the US in 2003. She was unable to speak or understand English at first but, through hard work, she learned. Truc graduated Summa Cum Laude from Mainland High School. During her volunteer work at the Halifax Humane Society in high school, she realized she had a passion in working with animals. After getting her AA from Daytona State College, Truc went to Eastern Florida State College and took part in their Veterinary Technology program – finishing in 2017. Has been working in the veterinary field since 2015 while studying to become veterinary technician.

Not too long ago Truc adopted a rabbit… “I feel like it was a life changing decision. Having her as a pet has opened many veterinary opportunities for me.”

At home, she is surrounded with four adorable fur children: two rabbits and two cats. Truc also loves to kayak and garden. She can’t wait to meet you and your pet on your next visit to FloridaWild!

Evie

Veterinary Assistant

Evie was born in the great sunshine state. She lived in Florida for the first 11 years of her life – then she spent a majority of her teenage years in Marienville, Pennsylvania. Recently she moved back to Florida. Evie has been a Veterinary Assistant for two plus years now. Her love for animals grew exponentially as a child – she grew up with everything… dogs, a cat, a bunny, two pythons, two guinea pigs, a horse, two goats, and free roam chickens. Her love of animals expansions across all species! She says her current two fur babies are the best fur babies a girl could ask for!

“My passion grew by standing by my belief in the extraordinary mind of an animal, knowing that even at the most defeating times they can be unbelievably compassionate. No animal is born BAD, they have an innocence to them that is so pure and I knew I wanted to stand in the line of defending them and helping them as much as possible. ‘Be kind to every kind, not just mankind’.”

Beyond her passion for animals, she finds great pleasure in doing anything involved with nature – kayaking, hiking, visiting springs, etc. Her obsessions are coffee, Netflix, roller coasters, good music and anywhere you can enjoy the four seasons. She is always seeking volunteering opportunities – she feels this allows her to give back and provides herself with educational experiences. Her motto she likes to live by is “do good and good will follow, always keep a positive attitude because even the worst day can be the best.”

“Here at FloridaWild our staff excels in the services we provide, you know that from the moment you walk through our doors we will not bat an eye in the care we provide, “Treat every pet as if it were your own”, to the moment you arrive home and after, always on standby to assist in any needs you may come about. I couldn’t be more proud to be apart of a team like this!”

Ashley

Veterinary Assistant

Ashley is a Florida native! She began working in animal medicine as a kennel tech when she was 17. At one point she left the veterinary medicine field for a few years. However, in 2012 she went back – leaving the veterinary medicine field made her realize how much passion she has for it!

For the last five years she was a veterinary technician at a day practice. She also worked as a critical care nurse with a veterinary emergency clinic for a little over a year. Ashley graduated with her Associates Degree from Seminole State College in 2017. She is currently a student at St. Petersburg College in the veterinary technology program – only 5 more classes until she’s done!! Her goal is to attend The University of Florida when she graduates from St. Petersburg – studying for a Bachelors in Biology. Once she graduates UF she would like to pursue something with FWC, research or conservation.

“I have an amazing daughter who is my pride and joy. She keeps me on my toes with her extracurricular activities (tumbling/cheer). I have the most handsome weenie (dachshund) named Brownie, I fell in love with him when I walked past his kennel at Orange County Animal Services 12 years ago!! I knew in that moment I just had to be his furever mom.” When Ashley isn’t at work, she enjoys traveling, going to concerts, the beach or simply hanging out with her friends and family.

Lauren

Veterinary Assistant

Lauren was born and raised in Apex, North Carolina. She moved to Florida after getting recruited to play beach volleyball for Stetson University.

Currently Lauren is studying Biology at Stetson University. She will graduate May 2019! Her plans after graduation are to attend veterinary school in the hopes of working with animals at a zoo. Lauren has always known she wanted to be a veterinarian, but after her internship at the Jacksonville Zoo she completely fell in love with zoo animals and wants to focus on a career involving them!